A provincial governor in Papua New Guinea has taken the government to task over a lack of action against illegal logging. For several years Gary Juffa has been fighting illegal logging operations in his province, Oro, by various foreign companies. In a scathing and loud broadside, the Oro Governor told parliament that rampant illegal logging…
Category: extractive industry
Deforestation in world’s largest tropical island: what does future hold?
New Guinea, the world’s largest tropical island, is also the most floristically diverse island in the world. However, the rich forests of the island, particularly those in the Western half, are understudied and threatened. Researchers examined satellite data on this half to determine annual forest loss, road development and plantation expansion. Based on this they…
France denies cover-up over Pacific nuclear tests
The French government denied any cover up on Friday over radiation levels in the Pacific following its nuclear testing in the region, as discussions were held in Paris about the legacy of the explosions. A two-day roundtable meeting called by French President Emmanuel Macron in April began on Thursday following fresh allegations that the testing…
Where Does Canada Stand on Deep Sea Mining?
(Ottawa/Port Moresby) Last week, Jonathan Mesulam travelled from his home in Papua New Guinea in the south Pacific to speak about deep sea mining at an international conference on climate change and mining organized by MiningWatch Canada. Mesulam’s community, on the island province of New Ireland, has the dubious distinction of being the first Indigenous people on…
Role of Malaysian banks in PNG deforestation highlighted
Malaysian banks have been urged to apply more regulations on finance for forest clearance in Papua New Guinea. Environmental justice NGO Global Witness has released a new report into international financing of deforestation. It said six companies associated with destruction of the world’s main forests received US$44 billion in finance over the past six years. These include…
Loggers still operating on PNG lease despite court ruling
Johnny Blades, RNZ Pacific Journalistjohnny.blades@rnz.co.nz Papua New Guinea’s government has been accused of allowing loggers to operate illegally without landowner approval. This comes as PNG prepares to host an APEC meeting this weekend to discuss tackling illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber. PNG’s Supreme Court ruled in August 2016 that a Special Agriculture Business…
Yes We ARE Nature 